Topic Wiki

Barcelona
Links to Trip Reports: @Yehuda, Yehoshua, CGR
Kosher Restaurants: http://www.restaurantmaccabi.com/en/
Activities: Jewish Tours in Barcelona, http://www.urbancultours.com
http://www.barcelonadreaming.com/package/barcelona-jewish-tour/
Hotels:
Shabbos Tips: Stay at Hotel Condado it is about a 3 minute walk from the shul (local community), bear in mind there is no eruv, so you will need to either leave the room open or make some arrangement with the hotel, they do not offer keys (or have that option at all)
Public Transport options:
Guidebooks:
Other Tips: Jewish Community of Barcelona (Orthodox): http://www.cibonline.org; Go to the local shul and meet Rabbi Daniel Ashkenazi he is wonderful and quite helpful.

Madrid
Links to Trip Reports: @Yehuda, @Yehuda pics, Yehoshua, @zalc (Mini)., CGR
Kosher Restaurants: http://www.restaurantelaescudilla.com  https://www.pinatimadrid.com/  https://www.pizzeriarimmon.com/(teuda)
Activities: Toledo - a day trip from Madrid to see 2 old Shuls. Can hire a tour guide, Rabbi Hanoka (info@jewishtoledotour.com), which is not cheap, or can take a train on your own. 1 of the Shuls (El Transito) is closed on Mondays. @Yehuda went on a day when that Shul was closed, and the other Shul was really just an empty room and seemed like a Christian organization now runs the center. Without a tour guide, it was hard to get anything Jewish out of our trip (other than an antique store that had some Judaica). But, people who have taken the tour (discussed in the thread) have said it was great! Recommended to go with a tour or not go at all (and ensure to go on a day when both are open!). Report in the thread that the sometimes-closed Shul has audio headsets for use, so that would help. If going alone, you can research the Jewish places at the link HERE
Hotels:
Shabbos Tips: Chabad Site
Public Transport options: Uber works well, as does the subway if you speak Spanish.
Guidebooks:
Other Tips: Jewish Community of Madrid (Orthodox), http://www.cjmadrid.org

Malaga
Links to Trip Reports:
CGR
Kosher Restaurants:
Activities:
Hotels:
Shabbos Tips:
Public Transport options:
Guidebooks:
Other Tips: Comunidad Israelita de Malaga (Orthodox), http://www.cimalaga.es

Seville
Links to Trip Reports: @Yehuda, Yehoshua, CGR
Kosher Restaurants:
Activities: Jewish Tours in Sevilla/Cordoba, http://www.jewishsevilla.com
Hotels:
Shabbos Tips:
Public Transport options:
Guidebooks:
Other Tips: Comunidad Judia de Sevilla, synagoguesevilla@gmail.com

Gibraltar
Links to Trip Reports: Yehoshua
Kosher Restaurants: Amar's Bakery and Coffee shop, http://www.amarsbakery.com/
Activities:
Hotels:
Shabbos Tips:
Public Transport options:
Guidebooks:
Other Tips: Jewish Community of Gibraltar, http://www.jewishgibraltar.com

Mallorca
Links to Trip Reports:
CGR
Kosher Restaurants: Their is not - one restaurant serve felafel it's own by an israeli but no hechsher
Activities:
Hotels:
Shabbos Tips: The Shul its open on Friday night
Public Transport options:
Guidebooks:
Other Tips:
 
4500 IB Avios from anywhere to anywhere in the country
Best way to get around anywhere in this country is by scooter. It is safer driving them there since they outnumber cars by great proportions.
« Last edited by cgr on September 04, 2023, 09:01:01 PM »

Author Topic: Spain Master Thread  (Read 278860 times)

Offline tmendy226

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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #660 on: December 08, 2015, 03:37:45 PM »
what kind of to ate you looking for?

Anything really. I'm going tomorrow and would be glad to hear about the place from someone that was there. I'm going to Gran Canaria.

Offline SamKey

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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #661 on: December 08, 2015, 06:22:17 PM »
Anything really. I'm going tomorrow and would be glad to hear about the place from someone that was there. I'm going to Gran Canaria.
I've been contemplating going but haven't been convinced it's an amazing place. Please report back!

Offline zow

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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #662 on: January 18, 2016, 10:03:13 AM »
We are planning a family trip to Spain this August.  8)
Five of us -- me, DW, 18yo, 16yo, 13yo.
I have waded about half way through this thread and also seen a few of the excellent TRs, inc.Yehoshua, @Yehuda, Yuey, Hershelsdeals.... Yasher koachem!
Quick question, and maybe there's a better thread for this, so please direct if so:
Does anyone have advice on booking lodging for a family of 5? (Can't all squeeze into one room, esp. in Europe.) :D
--Is AirBnB best option?
--Just book two inexpensive (points or cash) at chain hotels?
--(Pipe dream: any way to guarantee in advance a suite upgrade to sleep 5, with Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Platinum, IHG Platinum, and Marriott Silver?)

Thanks, and looking forward to more planning with you all on this thread in the coming months.... ;)

Offline Yehoshua

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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #663 on: January 18, 2016, 10:16:36 AM »
We are planning a family trip to Spain this August.  8)
Five of us -- me, DW, 18yo, 16yo, 13yo.
I have waded about half way through this thread and also seen a few of the excellent TRs, inc.Yehoshua, @Yehuda, Yuey, Hershelsdeals.... Yasher koachem!
Quick question, and maybe there's a better thread for this, so please direct if so:
Does anyone have advice on booking lodging for a family of 5? (Can't all squeeze into one room, esp. in Europe.) :D
--Is AirBnB best option?
--Just book two inexpensive (points or cash) at chain hotels?
--(Pipe dream: any way to guarantee in advance a suite upgrade to sleep 5, with Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Platinum, IHG Platinum, and Marriott Silver?)

Thanks, and looking forward to more planning with you all on this thread in the coming months.... ;)
We stayed at an Airbnb place in Barcelona. Not only was it cheap, it was centrally located near Las Ramblas, but it was it was clean, easy and had great AC. Now the place we stayed in will not be big enough for 5 people, but there were tons of options you can chose from there. I didn't check other cities in detail, but I did notice that airbnb was everywhere and quite affordable. If you're ok skipping the amenities that hotels offer (concierge, spas, pools, housekeeping, etc) I'd definitely consider it. It could even be beneficial if you need/want to use the kitchen facilities.

Offline zow

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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #664 on: January 18, 2016, 10:20:24 AM »
We stayed at an Airbnb place in Barcelona. Not only was it cheap, it was centrally located near Las Ramblas, but it was it was clean, easy and had great AC. Now the place we stayed in will not be big enough for 5 people, but there were tons of options you can chose from there. I didn't check other cities in detail, but I did notice that airbnb was everywhere and quite affordable. If you're ok skipping the amenities that hotels offer (concierge, spas, pools, housekeeping, etc) I'd definitely consider it. It could even be beneficial if you need/want to use the kitchen facilities.
Thanks, Yehoshua. I think it does make sense for a lot of reasons. Shame I only bought one AirBnB Amex gift last month.  :(

Offline Emkay

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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #665 on: January 18, 2016, 10:27:05 AM »




We are planning a family trip to Spain this August.  8)
Five of us -- me, DW, 18yo, 16yo, 13yo.
I have waded about half way through this thread and also seen a few of the excellent TRs, inc.Yehoshua, @Yehuda, Yuey, Hershelsdeals.... Yasher koachem!
Quick question, and maybe there's a better thread for this, so please direct if so:
Does anyone have advice on booking lodging for a family of 5? (Can't all squeeze into one room, esp. in Europe.) :D
--Is AirBnB best option?
--Just book two inexpensive (points or cash) at chain hotels?
--(Pipe dream: any way to guarantee in advance a suite upgrade to sleep 5, with Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Platinum, IHG Platinum, and Marriott Silver?)

Thanks, and looking forward to more planning with you all on this thread in the coming months.... ;)

. If you're ok skipping the amenities that hotels offer (concierge, spas, pools, housekeeping, etc) I'd definitely consider it. It could even be beneficial if you need/want to use the kitchen facilities.
Check out sweetinn

Offline zow

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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #666 on: January 18, 2016, 10:33:45 AM »


Check out sweetinn
Nice. Thank you. Is it an Israeli/Jewish company? I see they have listings in Jerusalem and TLV.

Offline Emkay

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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #667 on: January 18, 2016, 10:38:09 AM »
Nice. Thank you. Is it an Israeli/Jewish company? I see they have listings in Jerusalem and TLV.
Here's the CEO, great concept.
https://il.linkedin.com/in/paul-besnainou-b4aaa082

Offline zow

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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #668 on: January 18, 2016, 10:56:35 AM »

Offline zow

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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #669 on: January 22, 2016, 12:20:11 AM »
Seeking some advice in trip planning:

Itinerary for a week in Spain in August (2 parents+3 teens):
Tues, Weds, Thurs nights in Madrid (includes day trip to Toledo).

Friday drive to GIB, with stop(s) in Cordoba, Granada and/or Seville.

Friday night through Sunday morning: GIB.

Sunday fly AGP-BCN

Sunday afternoon through Wednesday morning in BCN.

Thoughts?

Would you spend one less night in MAD and spend it (Thurs night), say, in Seville?

What else is missing?




Offline SamKey

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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #670 on: January 22, 2016, 03:13:44 AM »
Seeking some advice in trip planning:

Itinerary for a week in Spain in August (2 parents+3 teens):
Tues, Weds, Thurs nights in Madrid (includes day trip to Toledo).

Friday drive to GIB, with stop(s) in Cordoba, Granada and/or Seville.

Friday night through Sunday morning: GIB.

Sunday fly AGP-BCN

Sunday afternoon through Wednesday morning in BCN.

Thoughts?

Would you spend one less night in MAD and spend it (Thurs night), say, in Seville?

What else is missing?




Personally I don't think MAD needs more than 1 day I'd prefer to spend time in Marbella or take a day trip to Tangier. Don't now about driving from MAD train is probably more practical

Offline Yehoshua

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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #671 on: January 22, 2016, 03:47:58 AM »
Personally I don't think MAD needs more than 1 day I'd prefer to spend time in Marbella or take a day trip to Tangier. Don't now about driving from MAD train is probably more practical
We spent 1 night in MAD and saw most of what we wanted to see (except Toledo), so spending 2 full days should be enough time. If that means 3 nights because you arrive at night, fine.

I think driving from MAD to GIB is a bit far unless you spend a night somewhere. We flew into SVQ and out of AGP, but didn't drive all the way from MAD.

Offline @Yehuda

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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #672 on: January 22, 2016, 07:01:28 AM »
+1 on not driving from MAD and needing less time there. SVQ was very nice for a day, and we would have even liked a little more time there.

Offline zow

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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #673 on: January 22, 2016, 10:12:48 AM »

+1 on not driving from MAD and needing less time there. SVQ was very nice for a day, and we would have even liked a little more time there.
We spent 1 night in MAD and saw most of what we wanted to see (except Toledo), so spending 2 full days should be enough time. If that means 3 nights because you arrive at night, fine.

I think driving from MAD to GIB is a bit far unless you spend a night somewhere. We flew into SVQ and out of AGP, but didn't drive all the way from MAD.
Personally I don't think MAD needs more than 1 day I'd prefer to spend time in Marbella or take a day trip to Tangier. Don't now about driving from MAD train is probably more practical

Offline zow

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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #674 on: January 22, 2016, 10:24:19 AM »
(tapatalk is buggy--just quoted you all but couldn't enter my reply, so here it is):

Great feedback -- exactly what I was seeking. Thank you.
So, we'll do two, not three, nights in MAD.
Marbella and Tangier sound intriguing. 
Still considering the drive MAD-GIB, with an overnight maybe in Cordoba.

Revised itinerary might look like this:
Depart Madrid Thurs morning.
Stop in Toledo for a few hours.
Drive to Cordoba (I want to see where the Rambam lived)
Thursday overnight in Cordoba.

Friday morning:
Drive Cordoba to Seville.
Some time in Seville.
Drive to GIB.
Shabbat.

I'm not totally attached to driving, and in fact would prefer not to drive. But with a family of 5, all the connecting flights or train rides multiply the expense pretty fast, even if they are only $60 or $70 pp.

More to follow. Many thanks to you all. Shabbat Shalom.


Offline @Yehuda

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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #675 on: January 22, 2016, 11:12:10 AM »
Valid point about expenses adding up as opposed to 1 car rental. Breaking it up definitely would make it easier. While I said I liked Seville a lot, I think going up to the Rock in GIB is a more exciting activity and would suggest you drive direct to GIB and get in an activity there as opposed to spending some time in Seville.

Offline zow

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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #676 on: January 22, 2016, 11:22:36 AM »
Valid point about expenses adding up as opposed to 1 car rental. Breaking it up definitely would make it easier. While I said I liked Seville a lot, I think going up to the Rock in GIB is a more exciting activity and would suggest you drive direct to GIB and get in an activity there as opposed to spending some time in Seville.

Helpful. We're excited about the Rock! A little concerned (phobic) about the monkeys, but we'll see.
We are reserved at the Elliot (because AirBnB required 3 nights stay), at 105GBP per room per night, which seems good. We'll try to allow time to take advantage of the pool and fitness center.

More planning to follow.

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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #677 on: January 23, 2016, 08:11:24 AM »
Valid point about expenses adding up as opposed to 1 car rental. Breaking it up definitely would make it easier. While I said I liked Seville a lot, I think going up to the Rock in GIB is a more exciting activity and would suggest you drive direct to GIB and get in an activity there as opposed to spending some time in Seville.
+10. Going from Cordoba to Seville to GIB even on the longest Friday of the year would be tough. Skip Seville unless you're spending the night there anyway.

Offline SamKey

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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #678 on: January 23, 2016, 11:10:49 AM »

I'm not totally attached to driving, and in fact would prefer not to drive. But with a family of 5, all the connecting flights or train rides multiply the expense pretty fast, even if they are only $60 or $70 pp.


A one-way rental car across the entire country ain't gonna be cheap. I would recommend train over flying. With IB you can book flights for 4500 Avios

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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #679 on: January 23, 2016, 04:17:32 PM »


Helpful. We're excited about the Rock! A
We are reserved at the Elliot (because AirBnB required 3 nights stay), at 105GBP per room per night, which seems good.

Non refundable?